Towson University Axes Two Sports Programs

Towson University President Maravene Loeshke held a conference call this morning to announce her decision to cut men's soccer and baseball. She also took questions, but she did no other interviews during the day Download This File

(Image courtesy of Towson University)

Read the transcript of the phone conversation that Towson University President Maravene Loeschke had with several others. Download This File

Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz spoke with MarylandÆs News NowÆs Mary Beth Marsden about Towson UniversityÆs decision. He was the driving force behind the John B. Schuerholz Park, which was the official home of the baseball team. Download This File

Read the full press release on Towson University Reinstating Men's Tennis and Discontinuing Men's Soccer, Baseball. Download This File

ItÆs the end of an era for two athletic programs at MarylandÆs second largest university.

Towson University President Maravene Loeschke said she has decided to cut both the menÆs baseball and soccer programs from the university.

"If you want to play baseball and men's soccer, you can't do that here now," Loeschke said.

She met with student athletes from both teams to give them her decision Friday and told them that their sports programs were being discontinued.

For months, officials from Towson University have said that they needed to ensure long-term financial stability, compliance with Title Nine requirement and the ability to be more competitive in other sports as the main reasons for getting rid of the menÆs baseball and soccer programs.

Despite impassioned pleas and arguments from many for the school to not cut the programs, the ax fell Friday.

"The young men were incredibly respectful," she said. "Clearly deeply sad as was I. But I could not have asked for more respect from them as I was telling them this really difficult news. "

The president said the school has decided to add men's tennis.

"The reason for that is we need six teams," she said. "I don't think it's going to deter any other athletes form coming here."

Read the president's full statement on why she decided to cut the programs, here.

Release From Towson University

Today Towson University announces it will reinstate men's tennis, and discontinue the men's soccer and baseball teams. The decision comes after an initial recommendation from the athletics department, and several months of intensive review from President Maravene Loeschke.

"It is with confidence, but great sadness, that I accept the recommendation to discontinue the baseball program at the conclusion of this season and the men's soccer program, effective immediately," said Loeschke. "This was an extremely difficult decision, and I appreciate the Towson community's patience during this process. It is now time for us to reach out to those affected student athletes and give them all of the support they need."

This decision was made to address three issues facing the athletics department: long-term financial stability and affordability; compliance with Federal Title IX requirements; and the ability to be competitive in NCAA Division I athletics. Athletics leadership made the initial recommendation, which was reviewed and supported by an Athletics Task Force, comprised of local community members, alumni, and former athletes. President Loeschke then took several months to examine all data, facts and budget projections. She also reviewed the proposal with internal and external financial analysts and Title IX experts to ensure that discontinuing these two sports was the most viable option.

"Working with staff and various constituencies of Towson University, President Loeschke has concluded a comprehensive, transparent, and thoughtful review of the university's intercollegiate athletics program," said University System of Maryland Chancellor William E. Kirwan. "While implementation of the recommended actions will be difficult for the student athletes and the extended TU community, unfortunately they are necessary to ensure the fiscal and academic integrity of the athletics program and ensure compliance with Title IX requirements."

The student athletes impacted by this decision are encouraged to stay at Towson, and will have their scholarships honored for their four years at the university. The athletics department will provide assistance and guidance for all student athletes, whether they stay at Towson or transfer to another school.

"This is a very tough day for the program as a whole, and especially for the young men who are members of these teams," said Towson Director of Athletics Michael Waddell. "Our focus now is to ensure that each of the impacted student athletes will have a full compliment of support services available to them."